Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Xiao Qing Long Tang

小青龙汤

Also known as:

Minor Blue Green Dragon Decoction

Formula Composition

Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Xi Xin
Xi Xin
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases the Exterior
  2. Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
  3. Warms the Lungs
  4. Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs, Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiao Qing Long Tang

Main Actions

Releases the Exterior
Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
Warms the Lungs
Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Qing Long Tang is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) releases the Exterior and 2) transforms Phlegm-Fluids.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Xiao Qing Long Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs or Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis or bronchial asthma for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
  • Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
  • Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm

Common Applications

Upper respiratory tract infections Bronchitis Bronchial asthma Emphysema Cardiopulmonary disease Hay fever Allergic rhinitis Conjunctivitis Dacryosolenitis Enteritis Peptic ulcers Atrophic gastritis Cirrhosis Bacillary dysentery Nephritis Rheumatic heart disease Pleuritis Epilepsy Enuresis Periarthritis of the shoulder

Ingredients in Xiao Qing Long Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Qing Long Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
In general Ma Huang's main actions are as follows: "Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination."

In the context of Xiao Qing Long Tang, it is used because it releases the Exterior, arrests wheezing, and promotes urination.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
Gui Zhi releases the Exterior, opens the Blood vessels, and promotes Qi transformation. Together with the other key herb in this formula, Ephedra (Ma Huang), the two herbs disperse Wind-Cold from the Exterior, promote water metabolism to remove Phlegm-Fluids, disseminate Lung Qi, and open the vessels to treat wheezing and body aches.
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Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
Gan Jiang works together with Wild ginger (Xi Xin), the other deputy herb in this formula, to warm the Interior, transform Phlegm-Fluids, and help the key herbs (Ephedra and Cinnamon twigs) release the Exterior. It is particularly effective at warming the Spleen, the deficiency of which is the primary cause of the Phlegm-Fluids. Wild ginger also stops the coughing by facilitating the flow of Qi throughout the body.
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Xi Xin
Xi Xin

Wild ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
In general Xi Xin's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and warms the Yang. Expels Cold and relieves pain. Warms the Lungs and reduces Phlegm. Moves the Qi and disperses Phlegm to open the nasal passages."
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
In general Wu Wei Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen)."

In the context of Xiao Qing Long Tang, it is used because it prevents the leakage of Lung Qi.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."

In the context of Xiao Qing Long Tang, it is used because it nourishes the Blood and nutritive Qi.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Xiao Qing Long Tang, it is used because it transforms Phlegm-Fluids and harmonizes the Stomach.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Qing Long Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Xiao Qing Long Tang, it is used because it augments the Qi and harmonizes the interaction of the other herbs.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Qing Long Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula should not be used long term, nor for conditions with Heat, coughing of Blood, or coughing due to Yin deficiency. Use with caution in cases with hypertension (due to the presence of Ephedra, which increases blood pressure).

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Qing Long Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.